Ewell’s Gino Rea turned a bad weekend into a career-best sixth-place finish in World Supersport racing at Valencia last weekend.

After struggling in practice on Friday, Rea and his team worked extremely hard improving the chassis and electronics set-up, helping him qualify in 12th.

Rea’s pace in the race itself was encouraging as he worked his way thorugh the field to finish sixth, and he heads to Assen in the Netherlands for the next round on April 25 in confident mood.

“From how the weekend started, no one would have thought we would have come out of Valencia with a sixth place,” Rea said.

“We made a slight change to the rear of the bike for the race but we lost some grip – I had some moments in the first few laps so I had to adjust to it.

“My best lap was only just over a second off the leaders so, with the problems we have had, I think this is a big positive we can take onboard, although there is still a lot of work to do.

“I was really pleased with my last lap pass on Lagrive (who has podiumed in World Supersport).

“After the group in front pulled away, I sat behind him and just waited, I went for the pass on the last corner and it paid off!

“My chief tech Andrew Stone feels we still have a lot to come from the bike with the electronics.

“I am looking forward to Assen – it is going to be hard but I can’t wait.”